Over the next two decades, Canada will see massive infrastructure investments aimed at improving the lives of its citizens, especially those aged 65 and over.
Within 20 years, the country’s senior population is set to double and as a result, the government is investing heavily in the resources our society will need to help these older people live healthy, independent lives for as long as possible.
In Labrador and Newfoundland a plan entitled ‘The Way Forward’ has been created with the specific aim of ensuring that the more isolated Atlantic region doesn’t fall behind in terms of public services and infrastructure, including long-term care.
In 2019, the contract for the design, build, finance and maintenance of the Central Long-Term Care Project – two new, identical 60-bed care homes in central Newfoundland – was awarded to NL Healthcare Partners, of which our longstanding client Pomerleau Construction is part.
We proactively reached out to Pomerleau about this project and in 2020 we were delighted to be engaged as their Division 10 partner for this build. Shortly afterwards, we also opened our first office in the Maritimes, which is now acting as a base from which to co-ordinate the work on site.
Defining the scope
Located at sites in Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander, this project consists of two 60-bed Long Term Care Facilities, divided into four self-contained 15 resident houses. At the outset, we began discussing a broad scope of work including wall and door protection – specifically including anti-microbial handrails -cubicle track and curtains, toilet compartments, lockers, washroom accessories, mailboxes and entrance floor grilles.
In spring 2020, the project changed hands internally and the scope was further refined at this time. Discussions initially centred around the drawings and specifications, and whether both locations would be completely identical. A mutual was then made that we would narrow down our focus to wall protection.
Directing the solution
By this point Covid-19 was spreading rapidly across Canada and the nation went into lockdown with travel restrictions in place, which made it challenging for Belroc to obtain the necessary measurements for pricing the project.
However, we were ultimately able to deliver a final quotation which included a comprehensive suite of wall and door protection products. This included SureContact antimicrobial vinyl handrail/bumper rail, stainless steel bumper rails, door frame guards and kickplates, vinyl wall sheets and a mixture of stainless steel and vinyl corner guards. Bed bumpers were added to the scope of work after construction began.
Delivering results
The materials were shipped to site in November 2020. Significant Covid restrictions remained in place at this time and therefore Belroc had to ensure that infection control protocols were adhered to at each stage of the journey from our warehouse to the two sites.
We packed the materials systematically to enable delivery to two different locations using one dedicated, consolidated truck. Due to the remote Newfoundland location, delivery was lengthy and included special arrangements for ferry crossings, tolls and highway driving. The shipment faced some further delays after winter weather shut down one ferry service for two days, but we were pleased to learn that it arrived safely and just a little behind schedule due to these unforeseen circumstances.
This project is still ongoing and Belroc is committed to providing practical installation and project management support to see it through to completion, which is on schedule for later this spring. As well as creating significant employment opportunities and generating millions in GDP for the Central region, this project will provide vital care for the senior population of Newfoundland well into the future.
For Belroc, it’s our first major project in the Atlantic region with key partners and a chance to build a solid foundation for future work as we expand beyond Ontario.. We’re looking forward to spending more time in the region, getting to know the people and the other businesses operating there, and uncovering future opportunities.
We’ll be sharing more progress on this job as it happens, but in the meantime, if you’d like to discuss your next project with Belroc’s Long Term Care division, email [email protected].
